Product category:
Industrial Vehicle Safety
News Release from: Consolidated Fork Truck Services (CFTS)
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 16 October 2006
Thorough Examination - Forklift's MOT
Used and abused? Buying a used fork lift? Insist on a Report of Thorough Examination.
Consolidated Fork Truck Services has learned that some unscrupulous dealers may be taking advantage of customers' lack of knowledge when it comes to buying a used lift truck by failing to provide a Report of Thorough Examination certificate The annual Thorough Examination is an important legal requirement - much like the MOT test for cars and vans - and confirms that the equipment is safe to use
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 21 Oct 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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Thorough Examination of fork lift trucks
The UK materials handling industry has unveiled a definitive, accredited, national scheme for Thorough Examination for fork lift trucks.
Website has answers to fork lift examination FAQs
A new website has been set up by CFTS (Consolidated Fork Truck Services) to answer questions about fork lift truck Thorough Examinations - the materials handling equivalent of an MOT.
Companies operating trucks without an up-to-date certificate are risking their employees' safety, and face prosecution by the HSE.
However, CFTS has received reports that some disreputable dealers are continuing to supply trucks without the certificate, and failing to tell customers about the requirement.
"This unacceptable situation is the direct result of a lack of understanding of Thorough Examination in the industry as a whole," commented Steve Hodkinson, Chairman of CFTS.
"It is imperative that operators understand the law and their responsibilities.
The CFTS's dedicated website, www.thoroughexamination.org, is an excellent place to start.
"When you're buying a used car, the MOT is the first thing you look for.
It should be the same with fork lift trucks and the Report of Thorough Examination.
Don't take the dealer's word for it: insist on checking the certificate, and take a copy." For anyone in doubt concerning where to find someone to carry out a Thorough Examination, there are around 150 companies nationally who are accredited to operate the CFTS scheme with its distinctive certification mark.
Each must abide by a stringent set of rules, and because the industry's two major trade associations developed the standards in consultation with the HSE, users can have peace of mind; confident that their trucks are safe, legal and above board.
"And, with so many companies now accredited under the scheme," added Steve Hodkinson, "there really is no reason for any good truck not to have a valid certificate.
Without it, you could risk legal action, injury or worse." For further information on the fork lift truck industry's accredited Thorough Examination scheme.
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